178. What a nice final gesture to man's (and women's) best friend.

If you've never had a dog, it's hard to understand how sentient these wonderful creatures are. They offer unconditional love and companionship.

When our beloved chocolate lab Maddie died last year (at 14), she stopped taking food very suddenly, then stopped taking all liquids. I offered her scrambled eggs, ice cream and even homemade beef gravy, but she refused it all. We had to euthanize her the next day since she was clearly suffering. We all hugged her and kissed her for a good hour before the technician came in to administer the IV. She didn't fuss at all and seemed to understand that she was not going to see us again. What a tearful ride home we had.

Good ending though - about a month later we came across another chocolate lab who looked just like her, so we brought her home. Even though we'll never forget Maddie, we now have a new crazy lab in our lives. She has a completely different personality, but is still overflowing with love of everything and everyone.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with spoiling a pet who is in it's last stage of life. Anyone who is offended by this is either looking for a fight or just has no soul.